National Fair Usage Policy Studies:

According to a most recent (2003) census study on voice usage, the Yankee Group estimates the average household landline usage to be 1,250 minutes per month.  This is equivalent to 480 minutes per person, based on the US Census estimate of 2.6 people per household.

Another study finds that almost every “Unlimited” calling plan industry wide has some sort of “Fair Usage Policy” including Skype and Vonage.  The “Fair Usage” plans are usually based on these national studies (like Yankee Group’s) and based on average usage.

Current estimates (post 2003) see this average usage figure trending downward, as the result of emerging global trend of the cell phone becoming a larger tool in a person’s daily life.  Some studies now say that household landline usage could be as little as 350 minutes per month.

Midwest SIP has designed their “Fair Usage Policy” based on these studies and trends.  Our policy was designed around the hard study data of 1,250 monthly minutes rather than the speculative data of 350 monthly minutes in an effort to surpass current consumer trends.

Midwest SIP Fair Usage Policy:

All calls included in your subscription or calling plan are subject to a fair usage limit of 1,250 minutes per subscriber line (sip trunk or hosted seat) per month.  Once these limits are exceeded Midwest SIP will charge the appropriate VT rates for any additional minutes used.  Subscriptions are for individual use only.  Each subscription is to be used by one household only and is not to be shared with any other user (whether via a PBX, call center, computer or any other means). International rates (outside the U.S. and Canada) are charged at the rates stated on our international rate deck and subject to change at any time. Midwest SIP reserves the right to change this fair usage policy at any time. Your continued use of your subscription after expiry of the 30-day period shall constitute your acceptance to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Midwest SIP fair usage policy.

Notification of Monthly Fair Usage Overage:

Upon reaching the 1,250 minute fair usage threshold, you will be notified by e-mail of such overage.  At this point you will be charged the standard overage rate of $0.025 per minute.  Toll Free and International calling which are charged on a per call, per minute, per destination, pay as you go basis are excluded.

Midwest SIP Difference: (Overages REWARDED not penalized!!!)

At Midwest SIP, we have a much different philosophy about overages!  Midwest SIP does NOT penalize our customers for going over their calling plans or fair usage threshold.  We charge only $0.025 per minute (including Domestic long distance calls) per minute!  Our pricing model dictates that it is to the customers benefit to continue calling at a low rate and “pay as you go” basis beyond their calling plan or fair usage threshold.  This different philosophy creates a financial benefit for our customers.

Note:

Any usage per line consistently over 1,250 minutes per minutes per month is typically (but not always) classified as a business usage customer.  If a residential customer has more than 2 lines and consistently goes over their 1,250 minute per line threshold, Midwest SIP may contact you about moving to an appropriate Business Line plan.